Minister abolishes Gaddafi's hated courts

Libya's new justice minister has abolished the country's courts, the once-feared system which sentenced thousands of Colonel Gaddafi's opponents to life during his 42-year rule.

The National Transitional Council is keen to press forward with efforts to do away with some of the most hated remnants of the former regime even though fighting continues and the ousted leader's whereabouts remain unknown.

Hundreds of civilians were today fleeing Gaddafi's home town of Sirte to escape shortages of food and medicine amid escalating fears that their homes will be struck during fighting.

Anti-Gaddafi fighters launched their offensive against Sirte nearly two weeks ago, but have faced fierce resistance.

After another push into the city at the weekend, revolutionary fighters say they have pulled back to plan their assault and allow civilians more time to flee. Nato, which has played a key role in attacking Gaddafi's military during the civil war, has kept up its air campaign since the fall of Tripoli last month.

The alliance yesterday said its warplanes had struck eight military targets near Sirte.

It is one of the last remaining bastions of Gaddafi loyalists since rebels stormed into the capital last month. Gaddafi supporters also remain in control of the town of Bani Walid and pockets of territory in the south.